Design & Historical Context |
The 1950s were a time of great cultural and technological change, marked by the emergence of rock 'n' roll, the birth of the "Beat" Generation, the launch of Sputnik, and the beginning of the space race. These events, and the knowledge that the world was living in a nuclear age, contributed to the development of an aesthetic known as the "Atomic Age," which was reflected in various aspects of design, including jewelry.
In 1947, Christian Dior introduced a new look in fashion that brought back a more feminine silhouette, rejecting the somber styles that had been popular during wartime. This new look, featuring a fitted bodice and dรฉcolletรฉ neckline atop a full skirt flowing out from a tight-fitted waistline, called for a revised design aesthetic for the jewelry and accessories that accompanied it. Jewelry during this time was characterized by a trend towards more elaborate and ornate pieces, with the phrase "the more the merrier" seeming to apply.
To complete this elegant and stylish look, diamonds set in platinum were often worn across the feminine dรฉcolletage and on the ears, which were newly revealed by upswept hair held in place by diamond clips. The DeBeers Diamond Corporation ensured that the demand for diamonds would not wane with their "A Diamond is Forever" campaign, which promoted the use of diamonds at all income levels, particularly the rapidly growing middle class. They also cleverly awarded prizes to jewelers worldwide who incorporated beauty, design, function, and diamonds into their modern compositions.
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Materials & Craftsmanship |
Enamel
Enameling is a decoration technique in which a glass of certain composition is fused to the surrounding or under laying metal. Although the exact origins are unknown, the art of enamelling has been practiced since ancient times. The favor of adorning jewelry with bright colors has always existed and the use of glass created colors which nature – in the form of gemstones – could not provide for in ancient times. Excavations on Cyprus – in the Mediterranean – in the 1950's brought cloisonnรฉ enameled jewelry to the surface which dates from the 13th and 11th century BC. These are, to date, the earliest enameled items found in this particular technique.
Silver
Silver is a white metallic element that is known for its excellent conductivity of heat and electricity. It is represented on the periodic table of elements by the symbol Ag, and it is a member of the noble metals, which are known for their excellent resistance to oxidation.
Silver is a relatively soft metal, with a hardness that is intermediate between gold and copper. It is more malleable and ductile than gold, which means that it can be easily shaped and molded into various forms. However, it is not as hard as copper, which means that it is more prone to scratches and other types of damage.
Because of its softness, silver is usually alloyed with another metal to harden it enough to maintain the desired shape and details when it is used in jewelry and other decorative objects. This helps to give it the necessary strength and durability for use in these types of applications.
Throughout history, silver has played a prominent role in the production of jewelry and objets d'art. It is prized for its beauty and versatility, and it is often used in a wide variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. It is also used in decorative objects, such as candlesticks, vases, and other decorative items.
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